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Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL – MEMBERSHIP 30,000 – HOME OFFICE: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, N.J. 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org Periodical Postage Paid at original entry of Passaic, N.J., 07055 and additional mailing offi ces VOLUME CVI PPASSAIC,ASSAIC, NN.J.,.J., JJanuaryanuary 2255, 22017017 NUMBER 5087 Scenes of the Inaugural Fraternal Reunion hosted by Group 7, “Rev. Joseph Murgas” The North End Slovak Citizens Club + Wilkes-Barre. Pa. + Friday, November 25 More than 50 Sokols and So- for a unique fraternal evening on celebrating the meaning of So- kolky from lodges across North- Friday, November 25, 2016 at the kol fraternalism. Continuing in eastern Pennsylvania turned out North End Slovak Citizens Club the best traditions of fraternal in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Hosted by outreach and especially during Group 7, “Rev. Joseph Murgas,” the Christmas season, concern the event was an opportunity for for the needy was in the hearts Sokol members of every age to and minds of the evening’s par- celebrate an eve- ticipants. Therefore a ning of traditional donation of $250.00 fellowship and ca- on behalf of Group 7 maraderie. It was an was made to a local opportunity to recall charity, the St. Vin- and refl ect on Sokol cent de Paul Soup activities of the past Kitchen in Wilkes- and to look forward Barre, Pa. The spirit to continued partici- of caring and sharing pation in the many was certainly evident events hosted by at the reunion. The the Slovak Catholic evening proved so Sokol in the future. successful, that it was Members and their decided that such an families enjoyed the activity would be an appetizers and pizza and brought annual Group 7 event. along many pictures and memo- Thanks and gratitude go out rabilia of past Sokol activities. to all who had a hand in the suc- A video slide presentation cess of this enjoyable evening brought smiles and laughter to celebrated in the best traditions the faces of the guests who re- of Sokol fellowship and frater- called the many activities in nalism. which Group 7 has been known. The evening was a wonderful Zdar Boh! opportunity to review the past Amy Degnan Blasco and to look ahead to the future Group 7 president PAGE 2 SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, JANUARY 25, 2017 Thoughts from our Supreme Chaplain Sokol From the desk of the Supreme Secretary Saints Cyril and Methodius Calendar Thoughts in the New Year Apostles and Teachers by Scott T. Pogorelec, F.I.C. by Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic SUN.JAN.29 “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs “On Palm Sunday he (St. Methodius), despite his weakness, Q Assembly 79 annual meeting 23:18 came into the church where all his people were assembled. After im- and election of offi cers at the parting his fi nal blessing, he said: “Watch with Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 136 I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes for a me, my children, until the third day!” This they Railroad St., Lilly, Pa. begining at happy and healthy New Year 2017 to all our members, family, and did. At dawn of the third day he said: “Into your 2 p.m., light lunch to follow. friends. The New Year will mark our organization’s 112th year of ser- hands, O Lord, I commend my soul!” (Lk.23:46), FRI.FEB.10 vice and again will be fi lled with many fraternal and sporting events and he fell asleep in the arms of his priests on the Q Assembly 11 annual meeting at that make us who we are. The start of a new year also allows us a time sixth day of April, in the third Indiktion, 6393 the home of the Financial Secre- to refl ect on the past twelve months. And what a year it has been! from the creation of the world” (SVII, 7-10). In tary. Therese M. Buc. 9024 Del In 2016, we experienced many changes other words, St. Methodius died on April 6, 885 Prado Drive, Palos Hills, Ill. be- both within our society and outside our organi- A.D. ginning at 1 p.m., refreshments to zation as well. For the Slovak Catholic Sokol, The name of St. Methodius is inseparably follow; call 708 598-1468. our goals are to promote the society through connected with the name of his brother, St. Cyril. SAT.FEB.18 our wonderful programs while still securing They both are venerated together as Apostles of the Slavs, and they Q The Milwaukee Fasiangy - Pre- the longevity and fi nancial stability of our great both were instrumental in the conversion of our ancestors to Christi- Lenten Dance, sponsored by As- organization. To all of our members, the Board anity. sembly 20 of the Slovak League of Directors has been working to fi nd ways to The birthplace of our Slavic Apostles was the city of Thessa- of America at the Knights of Co- accomplish both important items. In this world, lonica, the capital city of the Macedonian Province of the Byzantine lumbus Hall, 1800 South 92nd we, at times, have to think outside the box. Like Empire. The father of SS. Cyril and Methodius was a high ranking of- St., West Allis, Wis. beginning at it or not, we live in a “social media” world. As a fi cer in the Byzantine Army. He was of Greek descent. However their 6 p.m., cultural program begins at society, we need to stay ahead of the curve and investigate all avenues mother, Mary, in all probability, was of Slavic birth. Hence both sons 7:30 p.m., traditional Slovak culi- of reaching our current members and future potential members. We we acquainted with the Slavic tongue since childhood. nary specialities and bakery avail- can never stop learning because some of the tools we use today on a During the eighth century some Slavic tribes settled in Macedo- able, music for dancing by a live day to day basis may be obsolete and irrelevant ten years from now. nia, making the entire province predominantly Slavic. The Macedo- band; admission $5.00 for infor- But rest assured your current Supreme Offi cers are doing their due nian Slavs were soon Christianized by the Byzantine missionaries and mation, contact Betty at 414 425- diligence in reviewing all aspects of the organization. accepted the Byzantine Rite. 6137 or Ellen at 262 893-7483. The beginning of the year is also an opportune time for me to St. Methodius, whose baptismal name was Michael, was born in TUES.FEB.21 remind all our Groups, Assemblies, and Wreaths that we need to pro- 815 A.D. His younger brother Constantine, better known by his reli- Q First Slovak language class for mote and encourage activity as the fraternalists we are. I commend gious name, Cyril, was born about ten years later. They both studied beginners hosted by the Western many of our Groups and Lodges on hosting various activities in 2016 at the Imperial School of Constantinople, where all the children of the Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural As- and hope that many more will do the same going forward. Such activ- higher imperial offi cials received their advanced education. St. Meth- sociation at the Brashear Associa- ity ensures that our organization remains lively and conforms to what odius, known as a good administrator, became the governor of the tion, 2005 Sarah St., Pittsburgh, a fraternal benefi t society is all about. I also remind our members that Strymon District of Macedonia. St. Cyril, a gifted scholar, assumed a Pa.; classes meet every Tuesday the Home Offi ce supports Group and Lodge activity and provides teaching post at the Imperial School. evening from 7-8:30 p.m. with fi nancial assistance of $100 for such activities up to twice a year. To Shortly after, St. Cyril was or- Bozena Hilko as the instructor; gain the fi nancial assistance, the Group or Lodge needs to announce dained deacon and was entrusted with for information and to reserve a the activity in our publication, send a follow up story/photos, and some extraordinary assignments by place contact Honorary Slovak submit a written request for the allotment. It is also a good idea to the Patriarch Ignatius, including a dip- Consul Joseph Senko at jtsenko@ invite your local elected offi cials to your event. With the new admin- lomatic mission to the Caliph of Bag- aol.com or tel. 412 956-6000. istration in our nation’s capital, our state capitals, and city halls, it is dad in 851 A.D. Just about that time SAT.FEB.27 important that we let the government know who we are and what we St. Methodius, tired of various offi cial Q 24th annual Slovak Ball hosted do. Too often elected offi cials make decisions regarding fraternals, intrigues and jealousies, retired to the by the Slovak American Cultural but are not aware of the activities and important role they play in monastery on Mt. Olympus in Bythin- Center of New York at The Royal volunteerism and community outreach. ia, Asia Minor. There he received his Manor, Garfi eld, N.J. beginning Speaking of our activities and reenergizing our membership, I religious name Methodius. Shortly af- with reception and dinner at 7 had the pleasure of attending our Supreme Physical Fitness Board ter his monastic tonsure, he was elected p.m., music by Express, black Meeting in Cleveland, OH this past weekend.